Commonwealth Autism VA

02/19/2026

Early Bird Tickets Ending Soon!

Time is running out to secure early bird pricing for the 2026 Chefs’ Cook-Off Challenge!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of exceptional food, talented local chefs, and a powerful celebration of community — all in support of Commonwealth Autism Programs and the individuals and families we serve.

Early bird tickets: $125 per person
Prices increase after February 28

Don’t miss your chance to save and be part of this incredible night. Spots are limited — grab your tickets now!

Get yours at the link below.



https://cachefscookoffchallenge.eventbrite.com

02/18/2026

Yesterday we kicked off orientation for our 7th Career Readiness & Employment Cohort — and what a day it was! 👏
Our interns officially began their 12-week internship at Good Foods Grocery, stepping into their roles with confidence and excitement.
They received their signature red aprons and engraved name tags, making it all feel very official.

Everyone was looking sharp as they reviewed their new employee handbooks, learned how to clock in, and prepared for the journey ahead.

We can’t wait to see this group grow, learn, and thrive over the next 12 weeks. Stay tuned!

02/14/2026

❤️ From Our Staff to You ❤️

This Valentine’s Day, we want to take a moment to say thank you.

To our customers, families, partners, and community — you are the heart of everything we do. Every visit, every conversation, and every bit of support helps make our work meaningful.

Our team shows up each day with care, passion, and purpose, and we’re so grateful to share that journey with you. 💕

Wishing you a day filled with kindness, connection, and a little extra joy.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us to you! ❤️

02/13/2026

Looking for local autism-friendly events, services, and community connections in your region?

Commonwealth Autism’s collaborative Information & Resources Calendars are designed to keep you informed about what’s happening both locally and across the commonwealth — all in one convenient place.

A special shoutout to our Program Coordinator, Kenzie, who supports our Information & Resources Collaborative and keeps these calendars updated with care and intention!

✨🔗 Tap the link in our bio to explore your regional calendar and stay connected.
https://linktr.ee/VARegionalResourceCalendars

02/12/2026

Last year’s Chefs’ Cook-Off Challenge brought together more than 120 community members for an evening of learning, connection, and exceptional food — all in support of Commonwealth Autism.

We were honored to welcome guests, chefs, and speakers who helped create a meaningful experience centered on understanding autism and opening doors to brighter futures across our community.

We’re pleased to welcome you back for Chefs’ Cook-Off Challenge 2026 at the historic Altria Theater. Join us for another evening of friendly competition, thoughtful conversation, and shared purpose.

🎟️ Get your tickets today at the link in bio

https://cachefscookoffchallenge.eventbrite.com

02/11/2026

Education is at the heart of what we do. ♾️

Commonwealth Autism offers free and accessible learning opportunities across the Commonwealth—supporting staff, employers, and the broader community.

Internal Training: Ongoing workshops help our team stay current on neuroinclusive best practices.

Employment Partners: We train businesses and organizations to build inclusive workplaces and support successful job placement.

Talent LMS: Free, self-paced courses open to the public on a variety of topics for the autism community.

YouTube: Client stories and educational resources.
NEW Educational shorts added this week including “Definition of Autism” by our Programs Educator, seen in the post!

Learn, grow, and build inclusion with us.
🔗 Link in bio to access our YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/10/2026

Why Chefs’ Cook-Off Matters?
Did you know our annual Chefs’ Cook-Off Challenge is more than a fabulous night out filled with incredible food? It’s an event rooted in purpose and impact.

Chefs’ Cook-Off brings together community members who believe in creating opportunities, independence, and a better quality of life for adults with autism across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Every ticket purchased and every seat filled helps open doors to employment, support services, and pathways to independence for autistic individuals statewide.

How You Can Make an Impact?
Attend the event
Become a sponsor
Invest in inclusive employment and community supports

We are honored to partner with sponsors who share this vision—and you can be one of them. Get involved through our linktree. Show up. Be part of something bigger. https://linktr.ee/commonwealth_autism

02/03/2026

Exciting News, Food Lovers! 🔥
Early bird tickets for the Chef’s Cook Off Challenge are officially live!

Get your ticket now for just $125/person — but hurry, this special price only lasts until February 28!

Taste incredible dishes, vote for your favorite chef, and support Commonwealth Autism in this one-of-a-kind culinary showdown.

Grab your spot today: https://cachefscookoffchallenge.eventbrite.com

Comment below: Which chef do you think will be competing this year?

📣 Tag your foodie friends and make it a night to remember!

02/02/2026

Partners within the Information and Resource Collaborative work together to provide free support to individuals and families in Virginia as they navigate autism-related resources. By collaborating, these partners enhance resource sharing and work together to identify gaps in services and supports that individuals and families are facing.

Resource Navigators go beyond sharing a list—they provide personalized, compassionate guidance. 💙 Through active listening, they tailor resources to each family’s unique needs, explain options in detail, and follow up with clear summaries and direct links. Taking a holistic, proactive approach, Navigators help families access essential supports now and plan for what’s next—building pathways to services today and confidence for the future.

01/28/2026

Meet Glory!

Glory has been a long time Good Foods Grocery team member and has recently moved into a new role as, Trainer.

Glory brings both teaching and retail training experience to this role
as they will support training for both Good Foods team members and interns in our Career Readiness Program—helping ensure store standards are met and that interns feel confident, prepared, and ready to thrive from day one.

We’re so grateful to have leaders like this investing in growth, skills, and success!

Good Foods Grocery

01/26/2026

Big steps, real progress 🙌

Our recent cohort graduates are connecting with their employment team to kick off the job search process—narrowing down opportunities that align with their career goals and beginning the application journey.

So proud of their dedication and drive!